An Attitude of Gratitude Starts with a Grateful, Child-like Heart
In most elementary school music classes, the kiddos are taught songs for each holiday. At the elementary school that I had the privilege to work at, every year, the music teacher would teach the kindergartners a song around Thanksgiving time called Gratitude Attitude. Just like any other repetitious song, the words would become engrained in my head; “I’ve got a gratitude attitude, I’ve got a gratitude attitude…Yeah… yeah… yeah…!”
After a couple of weeks of learning it, not only would it get stuck in my head, but I began to sing along with them, “What are you grateful for? What are you grateful for?”
Between each question, each child would have a chance to share one thing that they were grateful for; just like some of us do on Thanksgiving Day, as we go around the family table.
I can recall one of my kindergarten kiddos yelling across the room at me, “Miss White, what are YOU grateful for???” And, at that moment, I actually had to think about it. I mean, yes, I am very grateful for many things, but when I was put on the spot, I had to pause to come up with an answer. This caused me to realize that I wasn’t living in a constant state of gratitude.
Continuous Gratitude
I learned a lesson that day, that being grateful is a continuous decision. I learned that if I make gratitude a priority, there will always be something at the forefront of my mind.
The Word of God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” To me, this scripture means that God wants us to be thankful no matter what is going on in our lives. He wants us to always have a grateful heart.
Now, I am not negating the fact that there will be times when we will feel less than grateful for some of the situations or circumstances that are occurring in our lives; but, what I am saying is that there is always something to give thanks for. There will always be a legitimate, positive counter for your complaint – no matter what it is.
For example, yes, it may be cold outside, but you’re alive to feel the cold wind hit your face. No, you may not really want to go to work, but thank God you have a job. You may not drive a Lexus, but you’re driving – and the list goes on!
I have even gotten to the point, at times, where the only good thing that I could think of was the fact that God was still good. And, that’s more than OK!
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?
Just as you consciously get dressed, eat, and go to work each day, make a conscious decision to be grateful. There are so many things that go on in our day-to-day lives, that it is more than easy to complain; it may even seem convenient or relieving, but fight those feelings. Be intentional about living a grateful life. My brother always says, “When I think, I thank.” This means that every time I have a thought, gratitude should be flowing from it.
This may take some effort for some of us (and that’s alright). If you’re in a tight spot and can’t seem to think of anything, refer to Philippians 4:8, which says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Just begin to speak, out loud, things that are good.
Here are a few tips that I have found to be helpful when working to have an attitude of gratitude:
- Make a list of things that you are grateful for and read it aloud each day.
- Write “grateful items” on sticky notes and place them around your house.
- When you pray, ask God to help you to have a more grateful attitude.
- Give. Giving often causes me to be grateful because it reminds me that I have to actually give.
- Read, recite, and write down “grateful” scriptures to help you throughout your day.
Here are a few to get you started: Psalms 107:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalms 92:1, Ephesians 5:20, Psalms 68:19.
So, just as you sat around the family table and shared what you’re grateful for on Thanksgiving Day, I challenge you to make expressing gratitude a habit that extends beyond the holiday season. Let it become part of your daily routine.
I challenge you to lead a life of gratitude.
About ten years ago, I learned that I was a Christian introvert. For years, I found comfort and peace in solitude, gravitated to smaller crowds with a preference to small circles of friends versus big crowds of associates. After decades of stereotypes, I realized that I was not shy, antisocial, snooty, or moody. While that was a great resolve after years of being misunderstood, I had to learn what exactly an introvert was. How could I successfully live my life for God and still 
One of my greatest fears was that my introverted persona would influence my ability to carry out my work for the Kingdom of God. You see, as passionate as I have been about strengthening my spiritual walk with God, I had a difficult time understanding how that could happen if I remained in my shell, refusing to share the pearls that God had gifted me. 
PSA: Introverts fit in and serve God the same way that extroverts do! 
I can recall when I first gave my life to Jesus and the overwhelming feeling of not knowing anything about Him. I wasn’t someone who was raised in the church; I did not come from a religious family. Prior to my pastor, I came in contact with a lot of people teaching about Christ, yet differently. This surprised me. I had been under the impression that if someone called themselves a Christian, they believed and followed the same things. Unfortunately, you and I know this is not the case.
As your teammate, I earnestly desire that you be knowledgeable. Living as a Christian is not a beach stroll in paradise. It’s a battlefield. The Bible said in the last days there would be many false Christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:24). It is Biblical that we consider what and who we receive in the name of the Lord. Look around, anyone with a smartphone and wifi can pass themselves off as a leader in the Body of Christ and promote whatever they want. Many are teaching and preaching Christ in error.
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.” – Acts 17:10-12
So, a few weeks ago, I wanted mashed potatoes with the meal I was preparing. 
The thing about peeling potatoes is that it’s the part of the process you cannot skip. In order to enjoy delicious, homemade mashed potatoes, the potatoes must be peeled. Unless you leave the skin on or you’re making potato salad, ya gotta peel them.
Planning a wedding is a very special season in a couple’s relationship – but it can also be very expensive and overwhelming. Communication and careful premarital financial planning can go a long way in helping you prepare for marriage and your 
When you’re independent and earning an income, it is easy to make financial decisions that do not affect anyone but yourself. However, in preparing for marriage, you may need to realize that your decisions can have a direct impact on your partner.
We would all love the wedding of our dreams, but it’s important to weigh the costs of an expensive wedding versus what you can afford as a couple. Big celebrations with all the trimmings may cost a lot of money that could leave you on a financial back foot for many months or even years after your big day.
The diet industry claims to have the answers. They wrap up these formulas, facts, research, eating plans, exercises, and specials tricks into neat and tidy packages – diet plans, books, programs, and supplements. Our culture continues to flash us with perfectly shaped bodies and air-brushed pictures on tv, social media, ads and every other place, causing a deep discontent and inner longing to love the way we look. 
I know, I know. We all want an easy diet plan that will get us to our goal! Mind work takes time, attention, and getting out of all the noise around us to actually notice the talk going on in our head. But, if a 6-week meal plan was all we really needed to get us to our goals, we wouldn’t have a health crisis in our country. Neither would we hear complaints of fatigue and lack of energy, and we wouldn’t have body image issues. 
I recall being a child, growing up in my parent’s home, and my mother often reminding my younger brother and me of all the things that we did not buy, and with good reason.
As I think back, there have been numerous times, as I’ve grown older, that I “forgot” what was done for me and given to me. Times when I didn’t acknowledge that I didn’t get where I was on my own, but that someone else made it possible for me to get there.
Matters not if you’re young or old, when you can’t swim, the fear of drowning will make you act a plum mess – especially in the shallowest of waters.
Sadly, Teammates, some of us know the fear of drowning all too well. It’s scary, we feel all hope is gone. But, you know what’s worse? Sometimes, we’re feeling this level of fear and despair in 
Let’s begin today’s practice with a common scene from households everywhere…
